“Merseyside Police have overlooked that and for whatever reason didn’t come to us.

“They need to make an application which we will look into.

The spokesman said a fine could be imposed on the force by the CAA.

Today a conciliatory Merseyside Police said: “Since the force has known of the change in regulations all UAV flights have been suspended and will remain so until the appropriate license has been granted.

“The force has written to the CAA to invite them to visit and inspect the UAV and operating procedures with a view to securing the required license at the earliest opportunity.”

The drone is operated by remote control and is said to be cheaper than deploying the force helicopter.